How to Set Up an Always-On Internet Connection in Windows Vista

If your computer has broadband (DSL or cable) access to the Internet, it can save you some time and trouble to have an always-on connection. Vista assumes that you'll always want easy access to the Internet, so setting up a wired broadband connection automatically creates that always-on connection.

You might not need to perform these steps though. If your Internet provider doesn’t require a username and password, simply connect your broadband or cable modem and then restart your computer. Windows Vista should automatically detect the connection.

Make sure Connect to the Internet is highlighted and click Next.

Select the Broadband option.

Enter your username and password information and a connection name, if you wish, and then click Connect.

You might also determine whether you want the characters that make up the password visible to whoever is looking at the screen. Disabling this option isn't a great idea for security purposes, but if you tend to forget your passwords, it comes in handy. You can also choose to have the computer remember your password for you so that you don't have to enter it each time.

6

Click Finish when the wizard finishes scanning your connection.

You'll have to wait for a couple of minutes while Windows Vista scans and tests out the connection. Click the Finish button when the Wizard is done working its magic.